Wing Lift Strut issuse

[ken hecht]

I also bought the wing lift struts from Alaska Airframe back in 07, stored them until needed , which was in 2010,(restored my Taylorcraft and signed off in Oct. 2010). I have other issues on the wing lift strut. The strut fitting, on the lower end, on one strut is drilled .005 over and the other is drill .007 over. The drawing spec. is .3125 +.003 -.000. go figure? I called Alaska Airframe on this issues, and come to find out, as my understanding, they are the third company that recieved or bought this STC, since 2007. They would not cover any (out of spec's) on the lower end, except the sealed strut portion warranty (life-time) So what am going to do now? Any suggestion? Ken

[Bird]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

Did anyone raise any issues on this when it was signed off?

[ken hecht]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

this was not an issue at the time of released for service. This was found during the pre-flight inspection. After further or in-depth inspection it was discovered that there was end play,on the lower end frt. strut fittings. The bolt and the fuselage fitting are within spec. I ordered a close tolerance bolts and see if this will correct this issue. Ken

[Tailwind]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

I had elongated holes on the fuselage attach. I bought oversize bolts from Genuine Aircraft Hardware. Can't remember the exact part number but it's a NAS1305- whatever the length is followed by a Y or an X depending on the oversize needed. You could call Genuine for detailed info. You will of course have to buy a reamer. The NAS 1300 series bolt is a close tolerance high shear, so the use of it would be a minor alteration. If you can't find the right number and want to go this route, email me and I'll look through my notes at the shop. Kevin

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

interesting, I will add this to the file on Airframes ; drill and ream is really not a lost art, I presume you then had to drill and ream the attachment fitting on the fuselage??

[lfries]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

I had no problem with my "airframes". I did buy from the 1st STC holder just before the sale.

[Richard Young]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

I just bought a Neew set from Airframes Alaska and am also having isues with the alignment on the front strut upper fitting
must be almost 3 degrees off.
Not sure yet of corrective action still evaluating!!

[astjp2]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

Forrest, they have different owners now. Tim

interesting, I will add this to the file on Airframes ; drill and ream is really not a lost art, I presume you then had to drill and ream the attachment fitting on the fuselage??

[astjp2]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

Install the upper first. Tim

I just bought a Neew set from Airframes Alaska and am also having isues with the alignment on the front strut upper fitting
must be almost 3 degrees off.
Not sure yet of corrective action still evaluating!!

[N-43121]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

Install the upper first. Tim

Tim, I don't recommend this approach. If you install the upper bolt and then "force" the lower end into position on the fuselage you will put a twisting stress into the wing spar. The struts should bolt up without forcing things. I recommend getting the struts made properly so you don't have to torque them to get them installed.

[Guest]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

Did you try swapping the struts to the other side of the plane?

[astjp2]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

I have done 3 airplanes that had this problem, its only the left so maybe the wing is the issue because it fits the right. Tim

[N96337]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

N43121 is exactly right.... you should NEVER have to force it to fit! I sure wouldn't be comfortable with drilling/reaming an oversized hole either! Good God people....we already have had to deal with a strut issue, let's not create another issue with the attach point! A strut should slide up there an in, with holes lined up and NO stressing necessary...otherwise it is sending stress loads to the attach points and who knows what else......use some common sense! If it's out just a little, and you go to the other end and shove that strut to make it fit, think of how much leverage you're using!
John

[astjp2]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

Engineers want to measure it with a Micrometer, the factory cut them with a Hacksaw and mechanics fix it with a TORCH!....Tim

[Guest]

Re: Wing Lift Strut issuse

Engineers want to measure it with a Micrometer, the factory cut them with a Hacksaw and mechanics fix it with a TORCH!....Timi

LOL

I am an engineer and a mechanic, no wonder I get conflicted and confused!

Dave